Laparoscopic Colectomy

Before the Surgery

Your pre-operation consultation will involve your colorectal specialise diagnosing your condition and explaining the recommended treatment. The procedure, its intended purpose, and potential risks will be explained, along with any pre-operative instructions you may need to follow.

At this stage, the specialist will also provide details on your condition and treatment. You can ask questions or raise concerns with us at this time, and we will do our best to address each one.

During the Surgery

A laparoscopic colectomy is usually performed as an inpatient procedure and often takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the case. The surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia, so you will be asleep throughout the process.

The main steps generally include these: 

• Small incisions are made in the abdomen
• Carbon dioxide gas is used to gently inflate the abdomen, creating space for the procedure
• A laparoscope (a thin tube with a small camera) is inserted through one of the incisions to allow the surgeon to view the internal organs
• Specialised instruments are inserted to detach and remove the diseased part of the colon
• The healthy ends of the digestive tract are reconnected where appropriate
• In some cases, a temporary or permanent stoma may be created to allow waste to pass into a bag while bowel heals
• The incisions are closed with sutures, staples, or surgical glue

After the Surgery

After a laparoscopic colectomy, a short hospital stay of 2 to 4 days is often required. This allows the medical team to monitor your bowel function and manage your pain. 

Most patients will need 1 to 2 weeks of downtime from work and their usual routine, depending on the nature of their job. Light walking may be encouraged early on in recovery, while strenuous activities are usually avoided for at least 6 weeks, or as advised by the specialist.

Full recovery can vary and may take several weeks to a few months, depending on individual circumstances and the extent of the surgery.

During recovery, you should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Calf swelling or pain, or shortness of breath, which could indicate a blood clot
• Excessive bleeding, whether through your incisions or rectum
• Severe abdominal pain or swelling
• High fever or chills
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Inability to pass gas or stool
• Pus or foul drainage from an incision

Recovery and Prognosis for Laparoscopic Colectomy

As laparoscopic colectomy is usually performed as an inpatient procedure, you will be monitored during the initial recovery period in hospital. After discharge, you will be given guidance on post-operative care, which may include:

• Avoiding heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for about 6 weeks, or as advised
• Eating a low-fibre diet for the first few weeks after surgery

Recovery and prognosis can vary between individuals and depend on factors such as the underlying condition and extent of surgery. Many patients may experience gradual improvement within the first few weeks, although bowel habits and energy levels can continue to change and improve over time.

Risks and Side Effects of Laparoscopic Colectomy

While laparoscopic colectomy is a minimally invasive procedure, it carries potential risks and side effects, as with any surgical operation. These may include:

• Infection after surgery, the risk of which is reduced with appropriate antibiotics
• Short-term side effects like pain, light bleeding, or spasms 
• Anastomotic leak, or a rare complication when the reconnected ends of the intestine leak digestive content or bacteria into the abdomen, which may cause severe infection (peritonitis)
• Postoperative ileus, or temporary slowing of bowel function, which may cause bloating or vomiting and usually resolves with appropriate treatment.
• Recurrence of the underlying disease, such as Crohn’s, diverticulitis, or colon cancer, depending on the original condition and stage.